How the CVE Works
CVE-2025-46253 is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in GutenKit, a WordPress plugin. The flaw arises due to improper sanitization of user-supplied input during web page generation. Attackers can inject malicious JavaScript payloads into vulnerable fields (e.g., form inputs, comments, or metadata), which are then stored in the database. When other users access the compromised page, the script executes in their browsers, enabling session hijacking, defacement, or malware delivery. The vulnerability affects GutenKit versions up to 2.2.2, where input validation fails to neutralize script tags or event handlers.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: WordPress
Version: ≤2.2.2
Vulnerability: Stored XSS
Severity: Critical
Date: 04/30/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation:
- Payload Injection: Submit a crafted script via unprotected input fields (e.g.,
"><script>alert(1)</script>). - Persistence: Payload saves to database, executing on page load for all visitors.
- Exfiltration: Steal cookies via `document.cookie` exfil to attacker-controlled domains.
Protection:
1. Patch: Upgrade to GutenKit >2.2.2.
- Sanitization: Apply WordPress `wp_kses()` to strip malicious tags.
- CSP: Implement Content Security Policy headers to restrict inline scripts.
Analytics:
- CVSS 4.0: Base Score 9.1 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
- Exploitability: Low complexity, no privileges required.
Commands & Code:
1. Verify Vulnerability:
POST /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php HTTP/1.1 Host: victim.com Action=gutenkit_save&data=<script>alert(document.domain)</script>
2. Mitigation Snippet (PHP):
add_filter('gutenkit_input', function($input) {
return esc_html($input); // Sanitize output
});
3. Log Analysis: Monitor for repeated POSTs to `admin-ajax.php` with script patterns.
Tools:
- Exploit: Burp Suite, BeEF.
- Detection: WPScan, OWASP ZAP.
- Remediation: WordPress Security Plugins (e.g., Wordfence).
References:
- Patchstack Advisory: PS-2025-46253.
- NVD Entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-46253.
Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
